JPWO2011114436A1 - Dot display - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dot display device in which a plurality of plate-like actuators can be arranged on a plane so as to be thinned and wiring to each actuator can be easily performed. A lower wiring board 40 is provided below the plurality of actuators 32a, 32b,..., And an upper wiring board 50 is provided above the plurality of actuators 32a, 32b,. 40 and the partial wiring board 50 are sandwiched between the lower case 10 and the upper case 20. The base ends of the individual actuators 32a, 32b,... Are sandwiched between the pressing portions of the lower case 10 and the upper case 20, and each of the plurality of protrusions 31 is pushed up by the free ends of the actuators 32a, 32b,. Then, dot display is performed in the dot display portions D1, D2,. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a dot display device in which a dot display portion is formed by a plurality of protrusions, and more particularly to a dot display device that can be configured to be thin and facilitate wiring to an actuator that operates each protrusion.

  A dot display device having a dot matrix in which a plurality of protrusions selectively protrude is used as a braille cell that is an information transmission means for a visually impaired person.

  The following Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 describe inventions related to Braille cells. In these braille cells, a plurality of holes are formed in the contact portion where the finger comes into contact, and a detection pin is disposed in each hole so as to freely advance and retract. A bimorph type piezoelectric element is provided as an actuator. The base end portion of the piezoelectric element is fixed, and the tip end portion faces the base end of the detection pin. When one of the plurality of actuators is selected and energized, the actuator is bent, and the detection pin is projected by the bending force.

  A plurality of detection pins constitute Braille with a predetermined number of dots, and character information is transmitted by touching with a finger.

JP 2001-147637 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-71977

  The actuator of the Braille cell described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 is a bimorph type piezoelectric element, and the piezoelectric elements that operate each of the plurality of detection pins are arranged to overlap each other in the plate thickness direction. Therefore, the thickness dimension is very large.

  Further, since the plurality of piezoelectric elements are stacked in the plate thickness direction, the wiring members to the electrode portions of the respective piezoelectric elements must be routed three-dimensionally. Therefore, not only the assembly work becomes complicated, but also a space for wiring is required, so that the apparatus becomes further larger.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and provides a dot display device that can be configured to be thin by flatly arranging plate-like and flexible actuators, and that facilitates wiring to each actuator. The purpose is to do.

The present invention includes a housing in which a lower case and an upper case are combined, a plurality of protrusions that can protrude from the surface of the housing, and a plurality of actuators that cause each protrusion to protrude from the surface of the housing. In a dot display device provided with a dot display portion formed by a plurality of the protrusions,
The actuator has a plate shape having electrode layers on both upper and lower surfaces and generates distortion in the plate thickness direction, and the plurality of actuators are arranged side by side on a plane in which the plate surface intersects the protruding direction of the protrusion. Has been
A lower pressing part is formed in the lower case, and an upper pressing part is formed in the upper case, and a lower wiring board is sandwiched between the base end part of the actuator and the lower pressing part, and the base end part and the upper pressing part An upper wiring board is sandwiched between the lower pressing part and the upper pressing part, and the base end part is held between the plurality of electrode parts and the upper part provided on the lower wiring board. The plurality of electrode portions provided on the wiring board are electrically connected to the electrode layers of the plurality of actuators.

  In the dot display device of the present invention, since the plate-like actuator is arranged on a plane that intersects the protruding direction of the protrusion, the casing can be configured to be thin. In addition, it is possible to give a drive signal to each electrode layer of a plurality of actuators by using a maximum of two substrates of the lower wiring substrate and the upper wiring substrate. Further, since the wiring can be made planar, the space required for wiring in the housing can be reduced.

  Since the upper wiring board and the lower wiring board are sandwiched between the lower pressing part and the upper pressing part and pressed against the base end part of the actuator, the electrode part of the upper wiring board and the electrode part of the lower wiring board are connected to the actuator. It is possible to strongly adhere to the electrode layer. Further, even if the upper wiring substrate and the upper case are not bonded, and the lower wiring substrate and the lower case are not bonded, the positional deviation between the electrode portion of the upper wiring substrate and the lower wiring substrate and the base end portion of the actuator hardly occurs.

  In the present invention, the lower wiring member and the upper wiring member are flexible substrates, and deformable connection portions are formed on the lower wiring member and the upper wiring member, respectively. It is sandwiched between the base end portion and the lower pressing portion and between the base end portion and the upper pressing portion.

  When the lower wiring board and the upper wiring board are flexible boards, the clamping force between the upper pressing part of the upper case and the lower pressing part of the lower case is easily transmitted from the wiring board to the actuator, and the actuator can be firmly held. It becomes like this.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that an elastic portion is integrally formed on at least one of the lower case and the upper case, and the lower pressing portion or the upper pressing portion is formed on the elastic portion.

  In the above structure, the base end portion of the actuator, the lower wiring board, and the upper wiring board are held by the elastic force between the lower pressing portion and the upper pressing portion. Due to the deformation of the elastic part, it becomes possible to absorb errors such as the dimensions of each part of the case and the dimensions of the actuator base end. In addition, when the actuator is driven, the actuator can be stably held even when an external force is applied to the actuator.

  In the present invention, a plurality of storage portions are formed in at least one of the lower case and the upper case, and each of the actuators is installed inside the storage portion with restricted movement in the width direction. Can be configured.

  In the above structure, when using plate-like actuators having relatively small dimensions, the respective actuators can be positioned and assembled in the storage portion. Therefore, assembly work can be facilitated.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that an area where the lower pressing portion holds the base end portion of the actuator is different from an area where the upper pressing portion holds the base end portion.

  In the above configuration, even if the relative position between the upper pressing portion and the lower pressing portion is shifted in the surface direction of the actuator, it is easy to prevent the opposing area between the upper pressing portion and the lower pressing portion from decreasing. It is possible to suppress problems such as the actuator being bitten by shifting the lower pressing portion.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that an area where the upper pressing portion holds the base end portion is smaller than an area where the lower pressing portion holds the base end portion of the actuator.

  In the above configuration, when the actuator is deformed in the direction of pressing the projecting body, the resistance of the holding structure of the base end portion can be reduced.

  For example, in the present invention, the actuator is a polymer actuator formed of a polymer containing an ionic liquid inside.

  In this case, it is preferable that the electrode portion has a conductive layer containing carbon. When the electrode portion has a conductive layer containing carbon, the contact resistance with the polymer actuator can be reduced, and the contact resistance can be maintained because it is chemically stable. In particular, when the electrode layer of the polymer actuator is made of a carbon material, the contact resistance can be reduced. Further, it is possible to prevent the metal wiring layer of the wiring board from coming into direct contact with the polymer actuator, and to easily prevent the wiring layer from being altered by the ionic liquid.

  The plate-like actuator of the present invention is not limited to a polymer actuator, and may be another soft actuator, a piezoelectric element, or the like.

  In the present invention, the lower wiring board and the upper wiring board are separate from each other. Alternatively, the lower wiring board and the upper wiring board are formed of an integrated flexible substrate.

  The dot display device of the present invention can be configured to be thin and easy to handle. In addition, the wiring structure to each of the plurality of actuators can be simplified, and the space required for wiring in the housing can be made extremely thin.

The exploded perspective view of the dot display device of an embodiment of the invention, A partial perspective view showing a lower case, a plurality of actuators, and a plurality of protrusions constituting the dot display device; Partial perspective view showing the upper case, the actuator, the protrusion, and the upper wiring board constituting the dot display device upside down, A plan view showing the arrangement of a plurality of protrusions and actuators, Partial sectional view of a dot display device, Explanatory drawing showing the structure and operation of the actuator, The top view which shows arrangement | positioning with several protrusion and an actuator in the dot display apparatus of other embodiment of this invention,

  The dot display device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is used as a braille cell that gives information to a visually impaired person.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the dot display device 1, a lower case 10 and an upper case 20 are overlapped to form a thin casing. A dot drive unit 30 is disposed at the center of the casing in the thickness direction. The dot driving unit 30 is sandwiched between the lower wiring board 40 and the upper wiring board 50 and is housed inside the housing. Both the lower case 10 and the upper case 20 are made of a synthetic resin material, and are fixed to each other by a plurality of fixing screws.

  FIG. 2 shows the positional relationship between the dot driving unit 30 and the lower case 10, and FIG. 3 shows the positional relationship between the dot driving unit 30, the upper case 20, and the upper wiring board 50. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the arrangement structure of the dot drive unit 30.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the dot driving unit 30 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 31. The protrusion 31 is formed of a synthetic resin material. As shown in FIG. 5, the protrusion 31 is a contact portion 31a having a curved surface at the distal end facing the Z1 direction that is the protruding direction, and the base end that faces the Z2 direction that is the retracting direction. It is the press part 31b. A fitting groove 31c having a predetermined width dimension in the Z1-Z2 direction is formed in an intermediate portion around the trunk of the protrusion 31.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the upper case 20 is formed with a plurality of holes 21 penetrating vertically. As shown in FIG. 5, the hole 21 formed in the upper case 20 has a diameter dimension that allows the protrusion 31 to move in the Z1-Z2 direction. The hole 21 is integrally formed with a ring-shaped support rib 21a that protrudes inward from the inner peripheral surface at an intermediate portion in the Z1-Z2 direction. When the protrusion 31 is strongly inserted from the inside of the upper case 20 into the hole 21 in the Z1 direction, the fitting groove 31c and the support rib 21a are unevenly fitted, and the protrusion 31 does not fall out of the hole 21. It becomes like this. Further, the protrusion 31 can move in the Z1-Z2 direction inside the hole 21 within the range of the width dimension of the fitting groove 31c.

  In contrast to FIG. 5, ribs may be formed on the outer periphery of the protrusion 31, and a fitting groove having a predetermined width dimension in the Z <b> 1-Z <b> 2 direction may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the hole 21.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the surface of the upper case 20 is a contact surface 20a that comes into contact with a finger. Six holes 21 form a set and open to the contact surface 20a. The first display part D1 is configured by the six holes 21, and the second display part D2 is configured by the six holes 21. Similarly, the third display part D3, the fourth display part D4, 5 display parts D5 and 6th display part D6 are comprised.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the dot drive unit 30, the first dot matrix M1 is composed of six protrusions 31, and each protrusion 31 constituting the first dot matrix M1 is a first display. It is mounted in each hole 21 of the part D1. Similarly, six protrusions 31 constituting the second dot matrix M2 are mounted in the six holes 21 of the second display portion D2. Similarly, the protrusions 31 constituting the third dot matrix M3, the fourth dot matrix M4, the fifth dot matrix M5, and the sixth dot matrix M6 are the third display portion D3 and the fourth display portion. D4, the fifth display portion D5, and the sixth display portion D6 are mounted in six holes 21.

  One character of braille is displayed in one set of dot matrix. When the finger is slid along the contact surface 20a of the upper case 20 in the X1 direction, different six-character braille information can be obtained in order.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the first dot matrix M1, three protrusions 31 are arranged in each of the first column V1 and the second column V2 extending in the Y1-Y2 direction. Accordingly, two protrusions 31 are arranged in each of the rows H1, H2, and H3 in the X1-X2 direction, and the first dot matrix M1 has six protrusions 31. Yes. The protrusions 31 in the columns V1 and V2 are arranged at an equal pitch, and the protrusions 31 in the rows H1, H2, and H3 are also arranged at an equal pitch, and the column arrangement pitch and the row arrangement pitch are the same. The arrangement of the protrusions 31 is the same in the second dot matrix M2, the third dot matrix M3, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 4, each of the dot matrices M1, M2, M3,. The actuators 32 are distinguished from each other by assigning different signs of 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, and 32f depending on the arrangement location, but all the actuators 32 have the same structure and the same shape and dimensions. .

  FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the structure of the actuator 32. The actuator 32 has a plate-shaped electrolyte layer 33, a first electrode layer 34 laminated on the Z1 side of the electrolyte layer 33, and a second electrode layer 35 laminated on the Z2 side of the electrolyte layer 33. Yes. The electrolyte layer 33 is configured by including an ionic liquid in a polymer such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). In the first electrode layer 34 and the second electrode layer 35, the polymer contains an ionic liquid, and further contains a conductive filler. The conductive filler is mainly composed of a carbon material such as a carbon nanotube.

  In the actuator 32, the plate surface 34a of the first electrode layer 34 appears on the surface on the Z1 side, and the plate surface 35a of the second electrode layer 35 appears on the surface on the Z2 side. The actuator 32 has a plate shape in which the length and width of the plate surface 34a and the plate surface 35a are sufficiently larger than the thickness.

  For example, when the cation contained in the electrolyte layer 33 is larger than the anion, a potential difference is applied between the first electrode layer 34 and the second electrode layer 35, and the first electrode layer 34 is moved to the plus side. Then, cations are distributed unevenly toward the second electrode layer 35, and the second electrode layer 35 side swells more greatly. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, the actuator 32 is bent and deformed so that the projecting side faces the Z2 side. Each actuator 32 has a proximal end portion 36 fixed thereto, and a distal end portion 37 is opposed to the pressed portion 31 b of the protrusion 31. When the actuator 32 bends as shown by a broken line in FIG. 6, the protrusion 31 is lifted by the tip 37, and as shown by the broken line in FIG. Also protrudes in the Z1 direction.

  FIG. 4 shows the classification and arrangement of the six actuators 32 in the first dot matrix M1. The same applies to the other dot matrices M2, M3,.

  As shown in FIG. 4, six actuators 32 having the same shape and the same dimensions are arranged in the first dot matrix M1. By using the actuators 32 having the same shape and the same size, the protrusions of the protrusions in the same dot matrix are aligned.

  The first intermediate actuator 32a is opposed to the protrusion 31 located in the middle of the first column V1, and the second is opposed to the protrusion 31 located in the middle of the second column V2. Intermediate actuator 32b. The first end actuator 32c is opposed to the protrusion 31 located at the Y1 end of the first column V1, and the protrusion located at the Y2 end of the first column V1. Opposing 31 is the second end actuator 32d. In the second column V2, the third end actuator 32e is opposed to the projection 31 at the end on the Y1 side, and the third end actuator 32e is opposed to the projection 31 at the end on the Y2 side. 4 end actuator 32f.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the center line O1 extending from the proximal end portion 36 to the distal end portion 37 of the first intermediate actuator 32a is inclined with respect to the first column V1 through an angle θ of more than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. It extends. The proximal end portion 36 of the first intermediate actuator 32a protrudes further to the X1 side than the X1 side sides of the first end actuator 32c and the second end actuator 32d. Similarly, the center line O2 of the second intermediate actuator 32b is also inclined at an angle θ with respect to the second column V2. The base end portion 36 of the second intermediate actuator 32b protrudes further to the X2 side than the X2 side sides of the third end actuator 32e and the fourth end actuator 32f.

  By arranging the first intermediate actuator 32a and the second intermediate actuator 32b obliquely, Y1-Y2 of the three protrusions 31 of the first column V1 and the three protrusions 31 of the second column V2 The intermediate actuators 32a and 32b can be arranged without unnecessarily widening the direction pitch. Further, the intermediate actuators 32a and 32b can be formed wide.

  As shown in FIG. 4, within one dot matrix, between the center line O1 of the first intermediate actuator 32a and the center line O3 of the fourth end actuator 32f located in the second column V2. , An opening angle θ is provided. Accordingly, it is possible to secure a wide arrangement space for the second end actuator 32d positioned between the first intermediate actuator 32a and the fourth end actuator 32f, and to increase the width dimension of the second end actuator 32d. . Similarly, an opening angle θ is formed between the center line O2 of the second intermediate actuator 32b and the center line of the first end actuator 32c. As a result, a large arrangement space for the third end actuator 32e can be secured, and the width dimension of the third end actuator 32e can be increased.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in all the actuators 32, two corners of the tip portion 37 are cut off to form a cutout portion 37a. Since the notch 37a of the second end actuator 32d faces the side of the first intermediate actuator 32a, the width dimension of both the first intermediate actuator 32a and the second end actuator 32d. Can be made closer to each other on the first column V1. Similarly, the notch 37a of the tip 37 of the third end actuator 32e faces the side of the second intermediate actuator 32b. Therefore, even if the width dimensions of both the second intermediate actuator 32b and the third end actuator 32e are increased, the protrusions 31 can be arranged close to each other on the second column V2.

  The cutout portion 37a shown in FIG. 4 is obtained by linearly cutting off the corner portion of the tip portion 37 of the actuator, but the cutout portion 37a may have other shapes. That is, as long as the shape is close to the base end portion 36 of another actuator, it may be concave and obliquely cut out, or may be a circle or other curved shape and obliquely cut out. Alternatively, it may be cut out in a polygonal shape.

  From the above, it is not necessary to unnecessarily widen the intervals between the protrusions 31 arranged in one dot matrix, and the displayed dots can be arranged at a pitch that matches the Braille standard. Moreover, the width dimensions of all the actuators 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, and 32f can be increased, and the driving force of each actuator can be increased.

  In the adjacent dot matrices, the first intermediate actuator 32a of the first dot matrix M1 and the second intermediate actuator 32b of the second dot matrix M2 adjacent to the first dot matrix M1 both extend obliquely with respect to the vertical and horizontal rows. ing. The center line O1 of the first intermediate actuator 32a and the center line O2 of the second intermediate actuator 32b are parallel to each other, and the first intermediate actuator 32a and the second intermediate actuator 32b are in the column direction Y1-Y2. It is arranged in the direction. As a result, it is not necessary to separate the adjacent dot matrices M1, M2 in the X direction, and the distance between the dot matrices can be optimally set so as to meet the Braille standard.

  Further, the base end portion 36 of the first intermediate actuator 32a is opposed to the cutout portion 37a of the fourth end actuator 32f in the adjacent dot matrix, and the base end portion 36 of the second intermediate actuator 32b is It faces the notch 37a of the first end actuator 32c of the adjacent dot matrix. Accordingly, the intermediate actuators 32a and 32b can be lengthened in a state where the X-direction distance between adjacent dot matrices is optimally set. As a result, all the actuators 32 are lengthened, and the projecting stroke of the projecting body 31 is lengthened. It becomes possible to secure.

  As shown in FIG. 5, each actuator 32 includes a first electrode layer 34 and a second electrode layer 35 sandwiched between an upper wiring substrate 50 and a lower wiring substrate 40 at a proximal end portion 36. The actuator 32, the upper wiring board 50, and the lower wiring board 40 are sandwiched between the upper case 20 and the lower case 10.

  In FIG. 3, the upper case 20 is shown upside down. A ceiling surface 20b that is a flat surface is formed on the lower side (Z2 side) of the upper case 20, and a side wall 20c that surrounds the ceiling surface 20b is integrally formed downward (Z2 direction) on the outer periphery of the upper case 20. Is formed. Positioning projections 22 projecting downward from the ceiling surface 20 b are integrally formed at the four corners of the upper case 20, and female screw holes 22 a are formed in the respective positioning projections 22.

  The upper case 20 is integrally formed with a central protrusion 23 that protrudes downward (Z2 direction) from the ceiling surface 20b at the center in the width direction (Y1-Y2 direction).

  The central convex portion 23 is formed with an inclined guide portion 23a that is inclined with respect to the X direction and the Y direction, and an opposing guide portion 23b that faces the inclined guide portion 23a. A region sandwiched between the inclined guide portion 23a and the opposing guide portion 23b is the first intermediate storage portion 24a. The hole 21 is opened at one end of the first intermediate storage portion 24a, and an upper pressing portion 25a is formed on the opposite side to the hole 21. Similarly, an inclined guide portion 23c and an opposing guide portion 23d that are inclined with respect to the X direction and the Y direction are integrally formed on the central convex portion 23, and the inclined guide portion 23c and the opposing guide portion 23d are formed integrally. A second intermediate storage portion 24b is formed in the sandwiched area. A hole 21 passes through one end of the second intermediate storage portion 24b, and an upper pressing portion 25b is formed integrally with the other end.

  In the central convex portion 23, two female screw holes 23e and 23e are formed in a portion sandwiched between the first intermediate storage portion 24a and the second intermediate storage portion 24b.

  In the upper case 20, end guide convex portions 26a, 26b, and 26c are formed downward at intervals in the X direction at three locations on the Y1 side with the central convex portion 23 interposed therebetween, and at three locations on the Y2 side, End guide convex portions 27a, 27b, and 27c are formed at intervals in the X direction.

  A first end accommodating portion 24c is formed between the end guide convex portion 26a and the end guide convex portion 26b. The hole 21 penetrates the Y2 side end of the first end accommodating portion 24c, and the upper pressing portion 25c is formed at the Y1 end. A second end accommodating portion 24d is formed between the end guide convex portion 27a and the end guide convex portion 27b. A hole 21 is formed at the end of the second end storage portion 24d on the Y1 side, and an upper pressing portion 25d is formed at the end of the Y2 side. A third end accommodating portion 24e is formed between the end guide convex portion 26a and the end guide convex portion 26c, and a hole 21 and an upper pressing portion 25e are provided in the third end accommodating portion 24e. . A fourth end accommodating portion 24f is formed between the end guide convex portion 27a and the end guide convex portion 27c, and a hole 21 and an upper pressing portion 25f are formed in the fourth end accommodating portion 24f. Yes.

  The upper wiring substrate 50 is a flexible substrate based on a synthetic resin film. As shown in FIG. 3, a notch 52 that is long in the X direction is formed at the center of the upper wiring substrate 50. When the upper wiring board 50 is installed in close contact with the ceiling surface 20b of the upper case 20, the central convex portion 23, the respective end guide convex portions 26a, 26b, 26c and the end guide convex portions 27a, 27b are arranged. , 27 c are located in the notch 52.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the upper wiring substrate 50 is formed with a first intermediate connection portion 53 a and a second intermediate connection portion 53 b that integrally extend toward the inside of the cutout portion 52. The first intermediate connection portion 53a and the second intermediate connection portion 53b are formed with an interval in the X direction. A lead wire 54a is formed on the lower surface of the first intermediate connection portion 53a facing the Z2 side, and an electrode portion 55a is formed at the tip thereof. Similarly, a lead wire 54b is formed on the lower surface of the second intermediate connection portion 53b, and an electrode portion 55b is formed on the tip thereof.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the upper wiring substrate 50 includes a first end connection portion 53 c and a third end connection portion that protrude from the edge portion on the Y1 side of the notch portion 52 toward the notch portion 52. 53e is formed. A lead wire 54c is formed on the lower surface of the first end connection portion 53c facing the Z2 side, and an electrode portion 55c is formed at the tip thereof. A lead wire 54e is formed on the lower surface of the third end connection portion 53e, and an electrode portion 55e is formed on the tip thereof. A second end connection portion 53d and a fourth end connection portion 53f are formed at the edge of the cutout portion 52 on the Y2 side. A lead wire 54d is formed on the lower surface of the second end connection portion 53d, and an electrode portion 55d is formed at the tip thereof. A lead wire 54f is formed on the lower surface of the fourth end connection portion 53f, and an electrode portion 55f is formed on the tip thereof.

  The lead wirings 54a, 54b, 54c,... Are copper patterns or silver patterns. The electrode portions 55a, 55b, 55c,... Are formed of a conductive layer in which carbon such as carbon nanotube or carbon graphite is contained in a binder resin, and the electrode portions 55a, 55b, 55c,. It overlaps with the land part integral with wiring 54a, 54b, 53c, ....

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, positioning holes 51 are formed at the four corners of the upper wiring substrate 50. The positioning holes 51 are fitted with the positioning protrusions 22 formed in the upper case 20, and the upper wiring board 50 is positioned so as to be positioned in the upper case 20 and in close contact with the ceiling surface 20b.

  When the upper wiring board 50 is installed on the ceiling surface 20 b of the upper case 20, each of the plurality of first intermediate connection parts 53 a formed on the upper wiring board 50 is connected to the end guide protrusions 27 b of the upper case 20. And a tip portion having an electrode portion 55a is overlapped with the upper pressing portion 25a of the upper case 20. The second intermediate connecting portion 53b enters between the end guide convex portion 26b and the end guide convex portion 26c, and the tip portion having the electrode portion 55b is overlapped with the upper pressing portion 25b. Note that the second intermediate connection portion 53b located at the end on the X2 side is not sandwiched between the end guide convex portions, and the tip portion having the electrode portion 55b is overlapped with the upper pressing portion 25b.

  The electrode portion 55 c provided in the first end connection portion 53 c provided on the upper wiring substrate 50 is overlaid on the upper pressing portion 25 c of the upper case 20. Similarly, the electrode portion 55d of the second end connection portion 53d is overlaid on the upper pressing portion 25d, the electrode portion 55e of the third end connection portion 53e is overlaid on the upper pressing portion 25e, and the fourth The electrode portion 55f of the end connection portion 53f is overlaid on the upper pressing portion 25f.

  All the protrusions 31 are respectively mounted in the holes 21, and after the upper wiring board 50 is installed on the ceiling surface 20 b of the upper case 20, each actuator 32 is attached to the upper case 20. The first intermediate actuator 32a is stored in the first intermediate storage portion 24a of the upper case 20. At this time, the plate surface 34a (see FIG. 6) of the proximal end portion 36 of the first intermediate actuator 32a contacts the electrode portion 55a of the first intermediate connection portion 53a. Further, the distal end portion 37 of the first intermediate actuator 32 a comes into contact with the pressed portion 31 b of the protrusion 31.

  The first intermediate actuator 32a is easily positioned in the upper case 20 by being roughly positioned between the inclined guide portion 23a and the opposing guide portion 23b. Further, the portions other than the base end portion 36 and the tip end portion 37 of the first intermediate actuator 32a do not make contact with the inclined guide portion 23a, the opposing guide portion 23b and other members as much as possible, and sliding resistance is generated during driving. Arranged not to.

  The second intermediate actuator 32 b is stored in a second intermediate storage portion 24 b formed in the upper case 20. At this time, the plate surface 34 a of the base end portion 36 contacts the electrode portion 55 b provided on the second intermediate connection portion 53 b of the upper wiring substrate 50, and the tip end portion 37 contacts the pressed portion 31 b of the projecting body 31. To do.

  The first end actuator 32 c is installed in the first end storage portion 24 c formed in the upper case 20, and the plate surface 34 a of the base end portion 36 is the first end formed in the upper wiring substrate 50. It contacts the electrode part 55c of the part connection part 53c. The distal end portion 37 of the first end actuator 32 c is in contact with the pressed portion 31 b of the protrusion 31. Similarly, the second end actuator 32d is installed in the second end storage section 24d, the third end actuator 32e is installed in the third end storage section 24e, and the fourth end section The actuator 32f is installed in the fourth end storage portion 24f. Then, the plate surface 34a of the base end portion 36 of each end actuator 32d, 32e, 32f comes into contact with the electrode portions 55d, 55e, 55f, respectively. Further, the distal end portion 37 contacts the pressed portion 31 b of the projecting body 31.

  Since each of the end actuators 32c, 32d, 32e, and 32f is inserted between any of the end guide convex portions 26a, 26b, 26c, 27a, 27b, and 27c, it is easy to incorporate into the upper case 20. . However, portions other than the base end portion 36 and the tip end portion 37 of the end actuators 32c, 32d, 32e, and 32f do not contact the end guide convex portions 26a, 26b, 26c, 27a, 27b, and 27c as much as possible. It is attached as follows.

  FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a state where the second end actuator 32d is attached.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the dot drive unit 30 is provided with a proximal end side positioning member 38 on the Y1 side and a proximal end side positioning member 39 on the Y2 side. The proximal end side positioning member 38 is installed on the Y1 side of the end guide convex portions 26a, 26b, and 26c shown in FIG. 3, and the proximal end side positioning member 39 is positioned on the end guide convex portions 27a, 27b, and 27c. Rather than the Y2 side. As shown in FIG. 5, the base end side positioning member 39 determines the position of the base end side of the second end actuator 32d and restricts it from coming out of the second end storage portion 24d in the Y2 direction. Is done. Further, the base end side positioning member 39 restricts the fourth end actuator 32f from moving within the fourth end storage portion 24f. On the other hand, the position on the base end side of the first end actuator 32c is determined by the base end side positioning member 38 and is regulated so as not to come out of the first end storage portion 24c. 32e is defined so as not to come out of the third end accommodating portion 24e.

  As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 2, the lower case 10 has positioning portions 11 formed at four corners. The positioning portion 11 has a ring shape, and positioning protrusions 22 formed on the upper case 20 shown in FIG. The positioning part 11 is fitted. A fixing hole 11a for inserting a fixing screw is formed in each of the positioning portions 11 of the lower case 10 so as to penetrate vertically.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom surface 10a facing the upper side (Z1 side) of the lower case 10 is a flat surface. The lower case 10 is formed with a first intermediate elastic portion 12a. The first intermediate elastic portion 12a has a base portion integrally formed with the lower case 10, and a free end thereof is elastically deformable in the vertical direction (Z1-Z2 direction). A lower pressing portion 13a is integrally formed at the free end. In the lower case 10, a second intermediate elastic portion 12b is formed, and a lower pressing portion 13b is integrally formed at the free end. The first intermediate elastic portion 12a and the second intermediate elastic portion 12b are disposed obliquely with respect to the X direction and the Y direction.

  The lower case 10 is provided with a first end elastic portion 12c and a third end elastic portion 12e on the Y1 side. A lower pressing portion 13c is formed at the free end of the first end elastic portion 12c, and a lower pressing portion 13e is formed at the third end elastic portion 12e. A second end elastic portion 12d and a fourth end elastic portion 12f are provided on the Y2 side, and a lower pressing portion 13d and a lower pressing portion 13f are formed at the free end.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the lower case 10 is formed with a plurality of fixing holes 14 that are paired with portions surrounded by the respective elastic portions.

  The lower wiring board 40 is a flexible board formed of a resin film. As shown in FIG. 1, positioning holes 41 are opened at the four corners of the lower wiring board 40. Each positioning hole 41 is fitted into the positioning portion 11 of the lower case 10, and the lower wiring board 40 is positioned and installed on the bottom surface 10a.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the lower wiring board 40 has a structure symmetrical to the upper wiring board 50 in the vertical direction (Z1-Z2 direction). The lower wiring substrate 40 is formed with a notch 42 at the center. A first intermediate connection portion 43 a and a second intermediate connection portion 43 b extend integrally from the lower wiring board 40 into the cutout portion 42. Lead wires are provided on the surfaces of the first intermediate connection portion 43a and the second intermediate connection portion 43b facing the upper side (Z1 side). An electrode portion 45a is formed at the tip of the first intermediate connection portion 43a, and an electrode portion 45b is formed at the tip of the second intermediate connection portion 43b.

  A first end connection portion 43c and a third end connection portion 43e are formed on the Y1 side of the notch portion 42. On the Y2 side, a second end connecting portion 43d and a fourth end connecting portion 43f are provided. Lead wiring is provided on the surface of each end connection portion 43c, 43d, 43e, 43f on the Z1 side. In addition, electrode portions 45c, 45d, 45e, and 45f are formed at the front portion.

  The lead wiring is formed of a copper pattern or a silver pattern in the same manner as the upper wiring board 50. Similarly to the electrode portions 55a, 55b, 55c, 55d, 55e, and 55f of the upper wiring substrate 50, the electrode portions 45a, 45b, 45c, 45d, 45e, and 45f are formed of a binder resin and carbon.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a lower wiring substrate 40 is installed under the dot driving unit 30, and a lower case 10 is installed thereunder, and four fixing holes 11 a formed in the lower case 10 and 12 locations are formed. The fixing screws 14 are inserted into the fixing holes 14, and the fixing screws are screwed into the female screw holes 22 a and the female screw holes 23 e of the upper case 20, so that the lower case 10 and the upper case 20 are fixed.

  At this time, due to the lower pressing portion 13a of the first intermediate elastic portion 12a formed in the lower case 10, the distal end portion of the first intermediate connecting portion 43a of the lower wiring board 40 is the base end portion of the first intermediate actuator 32a. 36. Thereby, the electrode part 45a at the tip of the first intermediate connection part 43a is pressed against the plate surface 35a of the second electrode layer 35 of the first intermediate actuator 32a. The tip of the second intermediate connection portion 43b of the lower wiring board 40 is pressed against the base end portion 36 of the second intermediate actuator 32b by the lower pressing portion 13b of the second intermediate elastic portion 12b.

  At the same time, the lower end pressing portion 13c of the first end elastic portion 12c formed in the lower case 10 causes the first end connecting portion 43c of the lower wiring board 40 to be the base of the first end actuator 32c. Pressed against the end 36. Further, the second end portion is formed by the lower pressing portion 13d of the second end elastic portion 12d, the lower pressing portion 13e of the third end elastic portion 12e, and the lower pressing portion 13f of the fourth end elastic portion 12f. The electrode portion 45d of the connecting portion 43d, the electrode portion 45e of the third end connecting portion 43e, and the electrode portion 45f of the fourth end connecting portion 43f are the second end actuator 32d and the third end actuator 32e. The fourth end actuator 32f is pressed against the respective base end portions 36.

  In FIG. 5, the electrode portion 45d of the second end connection portion 43d is moved by the lower pressing portion 13d of the second end elastic portion 12d so that the plate surface 35a of the base end portion 36 of the second end actuator 32d. The state of being pressed is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the second end actuator 32 d is provided on the upper (Z1 side) plate surface 34 a at the base end portion 36 and at the tip of the second end connection portion 53 d of the upper wiring board 50. The electrode part 55d thus adhered is in close contact. An electrode portion 45d provided at the tip of the second end connection portion 43d of the lower wiring substrate 40 is in close contact with the lower (Z2 side) plate surface 35a of the base end portion 36. The base portion of the second end actuator 32d is firmly held between the lower case 10 and the upper case 20 by the bending elastic force of the second end elastic portion 12d provided in the lower case 10.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the actuator 32 is a polymer impregnated with an ionic liquid. In the first electrode layer 34 and the second electrode layer 35, carbon nanotubes are mixed in a polymer, and the electrode layers 34 and 35 also contain an ionic liquid. As shown in FIG. 5, at the base end portion 36 of the second end actuator 32d, the lead wiring of the upper wiring board 50 does not directly contact the first electrode layer 34, and the electrode portion 55d containing carbon is provided. Is touching through. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the lead wiring of the upper wiring board 50 from being altered by the ionic liquid contained in the actuator. Since the electrode portion 45d formed on the lower wiring board 40 is also in contact with the lower surface of the actuator, the lead wiring of the lower wiring board 40 can be prevented from being altered in the same manner.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the second end actuator 32d, the base end portion 36 is held by the lower case 10 and the upper case 20, but the other portions are in a free state, and the second end actuator 32d There is a space for bending between the second actuator 32d and the lower case 10, and there is also a space for bending between the second end actuator 32d and the upper case 20. Therefore, the second end actuator 32d can be greatly bent up and down. In addition, the second end actuator 32d can generate a deflection in a direction opposite to the direction in which the protrusion 31 is pressed, if necessary, thereby preventing the deflection in one direction from accumulating. You can also.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the upper pressing portion 25d formed on the upper case 20 has the second end against the area A2 where the lower pressing portion 13d formed on the lower case 10 presses the second end actuator 32d. The area A1 for holding the partial actuator 32d is set smaller. Therefore, the resistance at the support portion of the base end portion 36 when the second end actuator 32d is bent and deformed so that the distal end portion 37 faces upward (Z1 side) can be reduced. Therefore, it becomes easy to bend toward the upper side, and it becomes easy to push the protrusion 31 outward from the upper case 20.

  The actuator support structure shown in FIG. 5 is characterized by a first intermediate actuator 32a, a second intermediate actuator 32b, a first end actuator 32c, a third end actuator 32e, and a fourth end actuator. The same applies to 32f.

  The operation of the dot display device 1 first selects and protrudes the protrusions 31 constituting the first dot matrix M1 located in the holes 21 of the display portion D1 shown in FIG. The control is performed by selecting and energizing any of the six actuators 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, and 32f located in the first dot matrix M1. As shown in FIG. 6, by applying a voltage to the first electrode layer 34 and the second electrode layer 35 of the selected actuator 32 and setting the first electrode layer 34 side to a positive potential, Ions move to the second electrode layer 35 side, the second electrode layer 35 side swells more, and the actuator 32 bends in the direction indicated by the broken line. With this bending force, the protrusion 31 protrudes from the contact surface 20a of the upper case 20. One Braille character is expressed by protruding any of the six dots of one display portion D1.

  Next, the second dot matrix M2 located in the second display portion D2 is driven to display one character in braille. This is moved in the order of the display parts D3, D4, D5 and D6. Information can be obtained by tracing the contact surface 20a with the finger in the X1 direction. After the finger reaches the display unit D6, the finger is further slid in the X1 direction from the display unit D1, and this is repeated, whereby long Braille information can be given to a visually handicapped person or the like.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the dot matrices M1 and M2 can be arranged in the X direction and arranged in the Y direction. In each dot matrix, the actuators 32 can be arranged at high density, so that even if the actuators are arranged in a planar shape, the dot matrices can be arranged close to each other in the vertical and horizontal directions. By arranging the dot matrix in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, the amount of dot display information can be increased.

1 dot display device 10 lower case 12a first intermediate elastic portion 12b second intermediate elastic portion 12c first end elastic portion 12d second end elastic portion 12e third end elastic portion 12f fourth end Partial elastic portions 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f Lower pressing portion 20 Upper case 21 Hole 23 Central convex portion 24a First intermediate storage portion 24b Second intermediate storage portion 24c First end storage portion 24d Second end accommodating portion 24e Third end accommodating portion 24f Fourth end accommodating portion 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e, 25f Upper pressing portion 26a, 26b, 26c, 27a, 27b, 27c End guide Convex part 30 Dot drive part 31 Projection body 32 Actuator 32a First intermediate actuator 32b Second intermediate actuator 32c First end actuator 32d Second end actuator Eta 32e Third end actuator 32f Fourth end actuator 33 Electrolyte layer 34 First electrode layer 35 Second electrode layer 36 Base end 37 Front end 37a Notch 40 Lower wiring substrate 43a First intermediate Connection part 43b Second intermediate connection part 43c First end connection part 43d Second end connection part 43e Third end connection part 43f Fourth end connection part 45a, 45b, 45c, 45d, 45e , 45f Electrode portion 50 Upper wiring board 53a First intermediate connection portion 53b Second intermediate connection portion 53c First end connection portion 53d Second end connection portion 53e Third end connection portion 53f Fourth End connection part 55a, 55b, 55c, 55d, 55e, 55f Electrode part D Display part M Dot matrix V1, V2 Column H1, H2, H3 Row

For example, when the cation contained in the electrolyte layer 33 is larger than the anion, a potential difference is applied between the first electrode layer 34 and the second electrode layer 35, and the first electrode layer 34 is moved to the plus side. Then, cations are distributed unevenly toward the second electrode layer 35, and the second electrode layer 35 side swells more greatly. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, the actuator 32 is bent and deformed so that the projecting side faces the Z1 side. Each actuator 32 has a proximal end portion 36 fixed thereto, and a distal end portion 37 is opposed to the pressed portion 31 b of the protrusion 31. When the actuator 32 bends as shown by a broken line in FIG. 6, the protrusion 31 is lifted by the tip 37, and as shown by the broken line in FIG. 5, the contact portion 31 a of the protrusion 31 is from the contact surface 20 a of the upper case 20. Also protrudes in the Z1 direction.

The lead wirings 54a, 54b, 54c,... Are copper patterns or silver patterns. The electrode portions 55a, 55b, 55c,... Are formed of a conductive layer in which carbon such as carbon nanotube or carbon graphite is contained in a binder resin, and the electrode portions 55a, 55b, 55c,. The wirings 54a, 54b, 54c,.

As shown in FIG. 5, the upper pressing portion 25d formed on the upper case 20 has the second end against the area A1 where the lower pressing portion 13d formed on the lower case 10 presses the second end actuator 32d. The area A2 for holding the partial actuator 32d is set smaller. Therefore, the resistance at the support portion of the base end portion 36 when the second end actuator 32d is bent and deformed so that the distal end portion 37 faces upward (Z1 side) can be reduced. Therefore, it becomes easy to bend toward the upper side, and it becomes easy to push the protrusion 31 outward from the upper case 20.

Claims (10)

A housing in which a lower case and an upper case are combined, a plurality of protrusions that can protrude from the surface of the housing, and a plurality of actuators that project the individual protrusions from the surface of the housing are provided. In the dot display device in which the dot display portion is formed by the protrusions,
The actuator has a plate shape having electrode layers on both upper and lower surfaces and generates distortion in the plate thickness direction, and the plurality of actuators are arranged side by side on a plane in which the plate surface intersects the protruding direction of the protrusion. Has been
A lower pressing part is formed in the lower case, and an upper pressing part is formed in the upper case, and a lower wiring board is sandwiched between the base end part of the actuator and the lower pressing part, and the base end part and the upper pressing part An upper wiring board is sandwiched between the lower pressing part and the upper pressing part, and the base end part is held between the plurality of electrode parts and the upper part provided on the lower wiring board. A dot display device, wherein a plurality of electrode portions provided on a wiring board are electrically connected to the electrode layers of the plurality of actuators.   The lower wiring member and the upper wiring member are flexible substrates, and a deformable connecting portion is formed on each of the lower wiring member and the upper wiring member, and this connecting portion is the base end portion of the actuator. 2. The dot display device according to claim 1, wherein the dot display device is sandwiched between the first pressing portion and the lower pressing portion and between the base end portion and the upper pressing portion.   3. The dot display device according to claim 1, wherein an elastic portion is integrally formed on at least one of the lower case and the upper case, and the lower pressing portion or the upper pressing portion is formed on the elastic portion.   2. A plurality of storage portions are formed in at least one of the lower case and the upper case, and each of the actuators is installed inside the storage portion with restricted movement in the width direction. 4. The dot display device according to any one of 3.   5. The dot display device according to claim 1, wherein an area where the lower pressing portion holds the base end portion of the actuator is different from an area where the upper pressing portion holds the base end portion.   The dot display device according to claim 5, wherein an area where the upper pressing portion holds the base end portion is smaller than an area where the lower pressing portion holds the base end portion of the actuator.   The dot display device according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is a polymer actuator formed of a polymer containing an ionic liquid therein.   The dot display device according to claim 7, wherein the electrode portion has a conductive layer containing carbon.   9. The dot display device according to claim 1, wherein the lower wiring board and the upper wiring board are separate from each other.   The dot display device according to claim 1, wherein the lower wiring board and the upper wiring board are formed of an integrated flexible substrate.

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